Blog post by RYA Cymru Wales: Honoring Our Devoted Volunteers
Celebrating Volunteers: The Heart of Sailing in Wales
This week, we're celebrating the unsung heroes of our sailing community - volunteers! Their tireless efforts and unwavering dedication make our sport thrive across Wales.
The enormity of voluntary work and roles is beyond words. Whether organizing events, ensuring safety, running the bar, cleaning facilities, or completing paperwork, volunteers are the lifeblood of our sport.
To express our gratitude, we're not just saying thank you, but actively finding ways to show our appreciation. Our Impact Awards, part of that mission, recognize those who go beyond the call of duty in alignment with our strategy - Together on our Waters - which aims to foster a connected, inspired, and inclusive Welsh sailing community.
Since launching the Impact Awards, we've witnessed countless instances of extraordinary volunteer work. But there are countless more unsung heroes who deserve recognition. So, let's extend our thanks to them too.
Nominate a Volunteer for the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards.
Valuing Volunteer Spirit
Our sport wouldn't exist without the selfless contributions of volunteers. Their time, enthusiasm, and energy keep our clubs buzzing, and they reap personal benefits too, such as improved mental health, boosted morale, and enhanced skills. Explore the joys and rewards of volunteering at RYA Volunteering.
Furthermore, Sport Wales offers helpful guidelines for attracting, recruiting, and retaining volunteers. You can find these insights at their club support hub under People in your Club.
Essential Support
Volunteers are the backbone of our grassroots community, and we'd struggle to organize events without them. Our volunteers can count on a free lunch at every event, plus a heartfelt thank you during our 'Diolch Hour' socials.
Moreover, our team is committed to boosting female volunteering, as several barriers have been identified, including Imposter Syndrome, lifestyle conflicts, a male-dominated environment, and unclear role descriptions. Possible solutions include offering half-day volunteering options, on-water mentoring, clearer role descriptions, and volunteer briefings, as well as providing access to courses for aspiring volunteers.
Perhaps some of these ideas might also help boost volunteer numbers at your club or class.
Stay Connected
Stay updated with all our initiatives, events, and opportunities by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (@ryacymruwales).
We'll see you on the water soon!
James, Sian, Hester, Hatty, Sarah & Paula. RYA Cymru Wales team
Recognizing the Bravos of the Waters
The RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards honor individuals making significant contributions to sailing and watersports in Wales. These accolades are part of the RYA's efforts to appreciates dedicated volunteers and enthusiasts who help create vibrant and inclusive watersports communities.
To nominate a deserving volunteer, look for the nomination process on the RYA Cymru Wales website or through their social media channels (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram). You can also reach out directly to their office for more information.
The richness of the home-and-garden of Welsh sailing doesn't merely rest in the vibrant watersports themselves, but also in the lifestyle of its volunteers who tirelessly uphold the community, reaping personal rewards while contributing selflessly. Nominate these unsung heroes for the RYA Cymru Wales Impact Awards to recognize their essential support and continuous efforts in our home-and-garden of watersports.
